The family trip to Disney World is a rite of passage for many American kids, especially those in the middle class. That said, the pilgrimage to the happiest place on earth is not cheap.
There are plane tickets, park passes, hotel accommodations, and more to consider. This can add up and make you feel like you need to make extra money just to make the trip work.
If you’re headed to Disney World, here are a few ways you can save money without missing out on any of the fun.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive travel discounts and trip-planning resources
Over 50 and love traveling? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member, you could be missing out on huge travel perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on hotels and resorts, airfare, cruises, car rentals, and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
An AARP membership not only unlocks discounts that could save you hundreds on your next trip, but you’ll also have access to deals on vacation packages, guided tours, and exclusive content to help plan your next getaway.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (do not skip this step!). Doing so will allow you to take up to 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Use a credit card
![man hand holding credit card and using laptop at home](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/man_hand_holding_credit_card_and_using_laptop_at_home.jpg)
You can finance your Disney trip with a travel credit card, ideally one without a high APR or annual fee.
Maximize this tactic by using an option that has travel rewards, such as discounted hotel rooms and deals on rental cars.
Save up for your trip
![family with piggy bank](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/family_with_piggy_bank.jpg)
This may seem rather obvious, but saving money over a few years for your Disney trip is a super savvy way to prepare for the expenses.
You can do this with a savings account, though you may get a better return on your investment by working with a financial advisor.
Plan your visit beforehand
![Cinderella Castle in the new pink and blue paint](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/cinderella_castle_in_the_new_pink_and_blue_paint.jpg)
If you’re going to be at Disney World for three or more days, you’ll save on park passes by buying them ahead of time. The price drops even lower once you hit five days or more.
Another reason not to wait until the last minute is that you never know when Disney will raise the price of admission.
Earn a $250 travel bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card has no annual fee and you can earn 25,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
You can earn additional points just by using this card for your everyday purchases — unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases. The 25,000 bonus points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel or dining purchases.
If you want to travel and dine out more, the Travel Rewards card can help you get where you want to go.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Avoid the add-ons
![Disneyland Castle photographed with a smartphone](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/disneyland_castle_photographed_with_a_smart_phone.jpg)
You may be tempted to opt-in on the bells and whistles that can be added to your park passes, but don’t do it. For instance, why buy a photo package when you have a smartphone that takes amazing shots?
And while it may seem wrong to skip the waterparks, that’s what your hotel pool is for. You get the idea.
Hunt for discounts
![female travel agent giving tickets to young couple](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/female_travel_agent_giving_tickets_to_young_couple.jpg)
It’s worth spending some time online to hunt for discounted Disney World vacation packages. For one, the park itself often offers specials, as do a variety of travel agents.
Just be savvy and make sure your vendor isn’t scamming you. A travel rewards credit card or discounted gift card can help offset the costs of your trip, too.
Visit during the offseason
![entrance arc of Walt Disney theme park](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/entrance_arch_of_walt_disney_theme_parks.jpg)
Most families visit Disney World when their kids are off from school. However, this is usually during the summer when the weather in Orlando is sweltering.
A better option is to visit during another time of year when the climate is better. Hotels tend to be cheaper off-season, making it worth pulling the kids out of school for a few days.
Plan for the weather
![smiling child who plays with fountain](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/smiling_child_who_plays_with_fountain.jpg)
It’s HOT in Florida. Okay, you probably knew that, but Disney is super hot and humid from about June through October.
Even when dangerous storms aren't hitting Florida, it can rain for short bursts every day in the summer. So, bring your own rain gear and sunblock so you don’t have to buy them at marked-up park prices.
Stay at a cheaper hotel
![smiling family of four in the hotel lobby](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/smiling_family_of_four_in_the_hotel_lobby.jpg)
While staying on-site at Disney World is fun, you can save a lot of money by instead making an off-site hotel your home base during your trip.
You might also fare well looking for an option on Airbnb or Vrbo. These places often have kitchens so you can cook meals instead of eating out.
Stay on the property
![Walt Disney World 50 Anniversary entrance Coronado Springs Resort](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/08/16/walt_disney_world_50_anniversary_entrance_coronado_springs_resort.jpg)
Not to contradict ourselves, but there are some cases in which staying on-site at Disney could save you cash. You’ll have access to the complimentary shuttle, for one, which means no car rental or Uber costs.
It’s also cheaper to visit the park during the park’s Magic Hours. Just be sure to pick budget-friendly accommodations.
Unlock exclusive entertainment deals and VIP perks (without a credit card)
Ready to take your entertainment and travels to the next level? Experience the finer things in life with the SELECT card.
No, it's not a credit card, it’s an exclusive membership — and your passport to a world of elite benefits and unforgettable moments.
Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails in downtown Manhattan at KYU NYC or saving 20% on the best sushi in Hollywood Hills at Yamashiro.
Like to shop? Members receive VIP discounts like 15% off at Brooks Brothers, and up to 60% off at Tumi.
Enjoy special offers at luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Omni Select. For example, you get 15% off at Hyatt Hotels worldwide.
But it’s not just about the hundreds (or thousands) you could save. There are so many features that make you feel like a VIP every day. Like SELECT’s white-glove concierge that assists with bookings, recommendations, or anything you need. And priority access to reservations to some of the year’s hottest events (many not open to the public).
Don't stay very long
![Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/toy_story_land_at_disneys_hollywood_studios_in_orlando.jpg)
While park passes get cheaper the longer you stay, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a full week or more at Disney World.
Booking only four or five nights could save you hundreds on hotel and food costs and still let you squeeze in all the rides and attractions you want. You might enjoy your trip more, too.
Focus on one or two parks
![bright colorful lights of Disney's California Adventure amusement park](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/bright_colorful_lights_of_disneys_california_adventure_amusement_park.jpg)
If you’ve never been to Disney World, you might not realize how large it is, with lots of places to spend lots of money.
To that end, if you only focus on two parks — like Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, for example — you’ll have fewer temptations to spend money.
Don't forget the free stuff
![Disney Springs Lake Buena Vista Florida](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/disney_springs_lake_buena_vista_florida.jpg)
Of course, the main reason people go to Disney World is for all of the cool rides and attractions, as well as the food.
But don’t sleep on the free options, like window shopping in Disney Springs, a stop at The Lego Store, and strolling around the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Dine smart
![family enjoying picnic outing](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/family_enjoying_picnic_outing.jpg)
Speaking of the food at Disney World — which is plentiful and drool-worthy — you can save a lot by dining smart. Disney even lets you bring food into the parks, so plan for a picnic lunch here and there.
The parks also offer lockers so you don’t have to lug your food along with you all day.
Be smart about souvenirs
![fictional cartoon characters from Disney](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/fictional_cartoon_characters_from_disney.jpg)
If you buy every souvenir at Disney World, you’ll go broke in a matter of hours. Do yourself a favor and buy Mickey Mouse ears and other souvenirs ahead of time online.
Not only will they be cheaper than inside the parks, but you can also make a game of leaving them for your kids to find during your trip.
Bring a water bottle
![woman drinking from reusable bottle](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/woman_drinking_from_reusable_bottle.jpg)
Disney World lets you bring reusable water bottles into its parks and refill them at the many water stations you’ll find.
Not only will you save a dollar here and a dollar there — which can add up fast — but you’ll also stay hydrated in the hot Florida sun.
Bottom line
![Mickey Mouse](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2022/09/27/mickey_mouse.jpg)
Going to Disney World is a dream come true for kids and adults alike, though it can be quite expensive. That’s why it’s smart to do your research about cost-cutting measures ahead of time.
You may also enjoy the experience more, and reduce your stress about spending while on vacation. Instead, you can just relax and enjoy the magic.
Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards
Benefits
Card Details
- $0 annual fee
- Simple, flat-rate rewards
- Flexible redemption options
- Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
- Apply Now
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
![Bank of <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>America<sup>®</sup></span> Travel Rewards credit card](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/0x0/filters:quality(100)/images/2023/08/22/boa-travel-rewards-credit-card.png)
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
on Bank of America’s secure website
Intro Offer
Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Annual Fee
$0
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.
Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.
Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.
- Apply Now